Will Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and husband Prince William name their daughter after the Duke's late mother, Princess Diana of Wales? It became much more of a possibility on Tuesday (March 5, 2013) when Kate inadvertently dropped a hint about the gender of her baby during a public appearance in the North of England.

When a well-wisher gave Middleton a teddy bear, she responded, "Thank you, I will take that for my d..." before cutting the sentence short. It was enough to send Britain's tabloids into frenzy, with most of Wednesday's editions carrying the headline 'It's a girl!' or something similar.

Sandra Cook, a well-wisher standing near the Duchess, told reporters that she asked Kate whether she had been about to say 'daughter,' though was told the royal couple did not know the child's gender and would not reveal it, even if they did.

The speculation prompted Irish bookmaker Paddy Power - known for their novelty special bets - to push girl's names up the market, installing Diana as the 5/1 favourite to be the name of the royal baby. Elizabeth is also 5/1, while Victoria is the second favourite at 6/1. Punters can get 8/1 on the most likely boy's name, George.

In January, St James's Palace confirmed that the royal couple's baby will be born in July. Despite refusing to give the exact date, it is assumed the child will be born towards the middle of the month.